The Midrealm assistive listening system goes to war.

I can't express how excited we were to be able to implement the Midrealm assistive listening system, a portable, event-ready audio service had this year's Pennsic War. 

After several days sitting at the Crafters Green helping people configure their WiFi enabled smart devices to use their Bluetooth earbuds, hearing aids or headphones, The Big Day came and we spend an extra hour before court helping even more people set up. 

The range and coverage for the venue were excellent and the feedback that we received from people using the system was heartwarming and encouraging. 

We have received many requests for upcoming events throughout the Middle Kingdom and plan to travel as best we are able following the Royal progress to make sure that this service is available where needed. 

The Assistive Listening System (ALS)

Everyone deserves to be part of the story.
Yet all too often, participants may miss important details due to crowd size, background noise, or variables in hearing. 

The Assistive Listening System (ALS): A portable and event-ready system that provides real-time audio during courts, classes, and announcements that is delivered directly to an attendees’ personal devices, using headphones, Bluetooth earbuds or compatible assistive hearing technology. This is an opt-in initiative, we ask that you do not use your devices speaker to listen. 

This system is part of our commitment to making the SCA welcoming and inclusive for all attendees. 

The Assistive Listening System (ALS): 

• Operates over a private, secure Wi-Fi network — not the internet. 
• Transmits real-time audio to phones, tablets, earbuds, or assistive listening devices. 
• Requires only a quick QR code scan to connect. 
• Is discreet, low-profile, and preserves the ambiance of events.

 This past Saturday, April 26th at the Quest for the Golden Seamstress event in the Barony of Roaring Wastes, Gianna Nicole Vettori and I served as judges and had a great experience. Nine teams of six or fewer artisans competed to create a complete historic outfit — including accessories like shoes, belts, and trim — during a 20-hour overnight stitchapaloza. Teams had to bring all materials with them, as no one could leave once the competition began. Afterward, there was a fashion show where outfits were judged on materials, fit, scope, workmanship, and completeness, along with special points for inspiration, on-site accessories, overall "wow" factor, and team garb. The maximum score possible was 205 points.

There is a chance that Rebecca Muller may have convinced us to put together a team of our own for next year.

thers

 Now that they are presented, the scribe boxes for the Royalty and Heirs that I was commissioned to create as regalia with artwork design by Dag Thorgrimsson. The boxes are based on this exploded view of a stollentruhe chest around 1300 from the Lüneburg Heath.

   

 I had an amazing time at Val Day tournament of chivalry (SCA fighting event) yesterday and I'm sure that I will have the bruises in the next few days to prove that I was there.

I'm humbled to be a member of the order of Chivalry and I am honored to serve the unbelt community of fighters who travel to this event and wait in long lines to have an opportunity to train against us.

I hope that I am able to give advice equal to what each of you teach me.

Additionally I want to thank the Roses who served by coordinating and sending the various fighters out for their bouts.

02/09/2025

Etching on Stainless steel

Laser etching I wanted to try on Stainless steel.

Honestly it worked better than I would have expected and after a few adjustments such as running the program several times in place and changing the focal length on the laser to compensate for the convex shape I was satisfied with the resolution. This opens up some possibilities for post processing castings.

 

Flamingo in her Piety

 Now that it has been presented, I can post about the "Flamingo in her piety" created using my Creality 22 watt laser for my wife's elevation to the SCA order of the Pelican. 

It is made from several layers of wool and backed with heat n bond sheeting witch allows it to be cut, then ironed down before stitching.